I am happy to announce that Ric Viers' latest textbook, The Location Sound Bible, is without a doubt the best book that I have read on the specialized topic of recording location dialogue and sound effects for filmmaking.
Having myself spent decades writing and compiling articles about Production Sound, along with lecturing & instructing college students as well as professional audiences around the world -- I can tell you that it is no mean feat to organize and painstakingly explain all of the myriad technical basics of our highly underestimated and under respected craft.
To learn our profession, an individual needs to master the fundamentals of audio theory, an understanding of the hardware, the techniques, and the day to day workflow. I teach undergraduate as well as graduate level university courses -- and I find that even a full semester barely scratches the surface! It reminds me of the old saying, "If you can teach someone everything you know about your craft in a workshop or a few courses, then you haven't really learned all that much in your career!"
The Location Sound Bible is not perfect; nor does it cover everything that I or Ric knows. But Ric sure covers one hell of a lot of material, and presents it in a clear and concise manner. It is without a doubt the best textbook out there, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about our craft of sound recording for film & video.
Sometimes Ric and I may differ on some minor technical issues, but we do come from different regions and different approaches to sound recording. Ric represents more of an East Coast or Mid-America independent filmmaking style; and I was trained by Hollywood "old school" mixers & editors. That is not to say that his approach is wrong; only that it may be different than some of my own material. I only mention this in passing because I have received emails from some of our readers who own the book, who have asked me to explain a discrepancy or two. Again, and I really stress this point, in the real world of sound recording -- every mixer has their own preferences and ways of doing things. Just like no two master chefs agree on how to prepare a feast; no two master sound mixers always agree on how to record the best audio. But we do respect each other's skills and experience!
But if you are that astute to pick up on the small differences, then you are already quite advanced in your mastery of this profession! And I do emphasize the words "small differences". At this point in your aspiring careers, I recommend that you buy the book, read it, and don't worry about nitpicking. Ric has laid out an excellent primer; and you will learn one hell of a lot if you read it and pay attention to his sage words.
For I do believe that Ric Viers has written a bona fide "bible" to Location Sound recording, and I most sincerely endorse it as the finest textbook written to date about this topic!
Contact Info
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Book’s Website: www.locationsoundbible.com
Author’s Website: www.ricviers.com
Publisher’s Website: www.mwp.com
ISBN 978-1615931200 list price $26.95 published by Michael Wiese Productions
About The Location Sound Bible
The Location Sound Bible is a complete guide to recording dialog on location. Topics include audio basics, microphone selection, wireless systems, recording and mixing techniques and the Ten Location Sound Commandments, but it’s more than just cables and connectors. Written by Ric Viers, author of The Sound Effects Bible, this book takes you behind the scenes of Viers’ work on feature films, television shows, broadcast news, courtroom dramas, music videos and more.
About The Author
Ric Viers is a sound designer and author based in Detroit, Michigan. His location sound credits include hundreds of productions for nearly every major television network, Universal Studios, Dateline, Good Morning America, Disney, and many others. Known as the “Rock and Roll Professor of Sound”, Viers has hosted several video series like “Rode University”, “Rode Rage” and “The Detroit Chop Shop Video Diaries”. His sound design work has been used in major motion pictures, television shows, radio programs, and video games. In 2007, Viers launched his own label, Blastwave FX, to celebrate the release of his 100th sound effects library. Viers is the author of “The Sound Effects Bible” and is considered to be the world’s largest independent provider of sound effects, with over 250,000 sounds and more than 600 sound effects libraries to his credit. He has produced sound libraries for numerous publishers, including Adobe, Apple, Blastwave FX, Sony, Sound Ideas, and The Hollywood Edge. For more information visit www.ricviers.com.
Blurbs
“Ric has found a nice balance between the technical academic stuff and how it applies in the context of the real world, while occasionally regaling us with funny stories on how this knowledge (or lack there of) effected him while on jobs. Aspiring production sound folks should find this book both informative and entertaining.”
Jamie Scarpuzza C.A.S.
“Ric Viers is Master of the Universe for location sound, offering
engaging wisdom stories based on decades of experience in the
trenches. An accessible encyclopedia of gear essentials and recording
techniques, his book is the perfect Bible for developing a successful
career in location recording.”
David Sonnenschein, Author of "Sound Design"
“Ric Viers has done it again. He has assembled an excellent guide for recording location sound for film and television. Anyone from film student to working professional will benefit from his expertise and advice. The chapter exercises are wonderful and can be used in the classroom as well as for individual practice. Viers really knows how to make the process uncomplicated and logical.”
Vanessa Ament-Gjenvick, Author of "The Foley Grail"
“Ric's Book is a detailed and informative wealth of information. Well written and supported by images, it is a winner for novice and veteran production personnel.”
Mark Adler, Author "Production Algebra"
“Have a question about production sound? This book is packed with everything you need to know. I wish there was a book like this when I was getting started.”
Scott Clements, CAS
“Production sound is the cornerstone of the audio soundtrack for films. The quality of what is captured on the set will determine everything else that will be put around it. Up until now, we've haven't had a go to resource that could serve as a jumping off point in achieving the goal of getting the best sound possible on location, regardless of time or budget. Ric Viers has changed that. This book not only provides a wealth of knowledge about the equipment and resources needed to do the job properly, but teaches the fundamental techniques required to capture great tracks from day one. Finally, a go to guide that will raise the quality of anyone's film, independent or big budget. On top of all that, it's easy, and fun, to read, and should be required reading not only for location sound crews, but directors, cinematographers, producers and anyone else interested in elevating their art.
Marc Fishman, Re-Recroding Mixer "Crash", "Baby Mama", "Get Him To The Greek"
“The Location Sound Bible is the first truly comprehensive guide to the acquisition of on-set production sound. I will recommend it to all of my students.”
Peter Damski CAS, Production Sound Mixer "Mad About You", "Will&Grace", "Hannah Montana"
"Ric Viers takes an indepth look into the world of location recording. A must read for those wanting to learn about dialogue & fx recording or recording in general. He covers the theory, the techniques & the technology. Once you finish this book youll start listening to the world around you, a whole lot differently"
Scott Martin Gershin, Sound Designer / Sound Supervisor / Mixer "Braveheart", "Gladiator", "Star Trek"
“Ric Viers unveils the mysteries of location recording for film and Electronic News Gathering, using technical detail seasoned with humor. As a post-production professional and dialogue editor, I know how critical it is to get beautiful sound when the camera rolls. Students and indy filmmakers should be agnostic about the myth of "Fixing It In Post," and now Viers' professional-level guidance should fill in the knowledge gap for sound made far from Hollywood. He even spells out the importance of a very simple production tool that is sadly lacking in too many independent productions: Sound Reports.”
David Stone, IATSE, Supervising Sound Editor, Academy Award recipient, Best Sound Effects Editing "Bram Stoker's Dracula"